Plant and Soil Sciences Graduate Programs at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture
Our graduate faculty, through the Plant and Soil Sciences Graduate Program, provides training, experience, and mentoring in the full spectrum of agricultural and environmental study, including:
- Plant Physiology
- Environmental Science
- Molecular Biology
- Plant Biotechnology
- Plant Pathology/Pathogen Ecology
- Production Technology
- Soil Science
- Agricultural Marketing
- Integrated Pest Management
- Entomology
We offer the following degree paths:
- PhD degree with dissertation required
- Master's degree with thesis
- Master's degree without thesis
- Fifth-year Master's degree (accelerated program) with or without thesis
Application fee waivers and sponsorships are available:
The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst has a limited number of application fee waivers and sponsorships it can grant to prospective students who have faced adversity, such as societal, economic, or academic disadvantages. We will additionally consider sponsorship requests from applicants who are first-generation students and students who have been traditionally underrepresented in graduate education in Plant and Soil Sciences (PSS). Please submit a request for application fee sponsorship to PSS Graduate Program Director Dr. Masoud Hashemi.
How to apply to our graduate programs
Step 1: Discuss your interests with a graduate faculty member
Students wishing to pursue a thesis-based MS or PhD degree should first contact a member of our graduate faculty to determine a) the compatibility of his or her research with your interests, and b) determine the availability of funding. Please note: Individuals who have not made such a connection are unlikely to be considered for acceptance. If you are uncertain as to who might be the best match for your interests, contact our Graduate Program Director Dr. Masoud Hashemi.
Students interested in pursuing a fifth-year MS or a non-thesis MS should contact our Graduate Program Director Dr. Masoud Hashemi to discuss degree options.
Step 2: Submit application materials on time
Review the graduate school's How To Apply page.
Complete the Graduate Application Form. The submission deadline for fall enrollment is February 1. The submission deadline for spring enrollment is October 1.
A complete application will include:
- official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended;
- two letters of recommendation;
- updated resume or CV;
- personal statement describing the candidate's research area of interest, desired graduate faculty mentor, and long-term goals based on graduate program completion; and,
- an English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS) is required for applicants whose native language is not English. (The institution code of TOEFL scores is 3917; no department code is necessary).
Note that the Graduate Records Exam (GRE) is no longer an application requirement.
Please see our page on How To Apply to Our Graduate Programs for additional information on the application process, and the potential for assistantships and other financial aid.